Ron Paul debates Stephen Baldwin on Legalizing Marijuana
Ron Paul vs. Stephen Baldwin is like Mike Tyson vs. a five-year-old. No contest.
Paul’s most powerful argument relates to the costs of prohibition, particularly crime from drug cartels and the cost of locking up non-violent offenders.
Possession of pot is basically a misdemeanor in most states anyway. If you allow it to be used legally with no penalty the war on drugs will look like a cakewalk.
Look at what’s happening in Mexico right now with the drug wars.
By referring to Mexico you are making Ron Paul’s point. Prohibition leads to criminal gangs who make money dealing illegal products.
While possession of pot in small amounts is a misdemeanor, larger quantities lead to very long sentences. Our prisons are bursting.
I don’t think full legalization is the answer. First, the Feds should get out of it and leave it to each of the states. The Feds should just focus on interstate transport of large amounts.
Then, each state can do as it pleases, and many of them would over time decriminalize it – make people pay fines if they grow or carry too much. Sales to minors should be illegal.
It is basically decriminalized as a misdemeanor in most states now. How much will it cost for all of the rehab centers when even more people get hooked on drugs? You don’t give in to drug use you have to educate the younger generation on how bad it is for you. This is slowly working for smoking in the US as it is way down among young adults. (I know smoking cigarettes doesn’t get you high but I’m just making a point)
I’m all for education and treatment. That is MUCH less expensive than prison.
Also, education has to be honest. If people try to compare pot to stuff like coke they lose all credibility.